New York City police say they are trying to determine whether six other people reported missing are connected to the apparent gas explosion in the East Village.
The six do not include the two people that police have already said remain unaccounted for after Thursday's blast.
Police officials said Friday that they don't believe the six were inside the three buildings leveled by the explosion.
Meanwhile, authorities are searching for restaurant worker Moises Lucon and diner Nicholas Figueroa after the blast. The building they were in was destroyed.
Police Commissioner William Bratton says the search is "very complex."
At least 19 people were injured, four critically. Preliminary evidence suggests a gas explosion amid plumbing and gas work inside the building is to blame for the explosion.